Glucosamine probably offers little benefit for low back pain beyond the placebo effect.

Glucosamine is a very popular dietary supplement marketed widely as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Patients with imaging-based degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis and back pain for at least 6 months received either glucosamine or a placebo daily for 6 months, and were then followed for another 6 months. Both groups reported less pain after treatment, but there was no significant difference between the groups.

PositiveTip: Remember, the placebo effect is very powerful, and often results in benefits equal to a popular treatment.